Titus 1:4-5

Titus 1:4-5 To Titus, a true son in our common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-

Our common faith… These words strike me, it doesn’t matter what language you speak, what age, what gender, what race you are, when you believe in the Salvation that God offers through Jesus Christ, you share something in common with people from around the world. Paul here is writing this letter to Titus in order to help him set in order the things that were lacking in Crete and to appoint elders, he’ll go on to explain what kind of elders in the next few verses. Because ours is a common faith it transcends cultural barriers and carries a culture of its own 1^st Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. As Christians there are characteristics that we are called to have that are independent of culture, Titus 2:12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present age, Titus 3:2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. We can provoke our Christian family to these good works no matter where we are, these and all of the other traits that Paul details for us are necessary no matter where you live or what language you speak.

Application-To be culturally sensitive and continue to make an effort to learn more about the culture, but also challenge those I’m working for and with to live godly lives, in specific areas, such as being considerate of others, sharing, peacemaking, etc…